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Benjamin Franklin (1706-90) is best known as an outstanding statesman and leader. First published in 1874, this three-volume work was compiled entirely from Franklin's own writings. Volume 1 contains Franklin's autobiography (to 1857), and also recounts his experiments with lightning conductors and his examination before the House of Commons.

Howard Stansbury (1806-63) was a major in the United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers. This book, published in 1852, is his illustrated account of a two-year scientific and surveying expedition he led to Salt Lake City. He also describes his favourable impressions of the Mormons he encountered there.

Each of the 119 landscape engravings in this two-volume book is accompanied by a short essay. The authors' intention is to bring to the reader at home the sensations of travel which 'those whose lot is domestic and retired' would never be in a position to experience for themselves.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the third United States President (1801-9) and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. First published in 1853, Volume 1 of a nine-volume edition of his writings includes his autobiography and letters written up to and during his 1784-9 mission to Europe.

Here reissued in its 1819 second edition, this 1818 book by the political reformer William Cobbett (1763-1835) describes a year he spent farming on Long Island after fleeing England. Analysing the climate, soil, crops and economics, Cobbett disputes claims that the mid-West is an ideal destination for British emigrants.

Published before the outcome of the conflict was known, this account of the American Revolution by the Abbe Raynal (1713-69) was first published in English in 1781. It is taken from the last volume of his influential Philosophy and Political History of the East and West Indies.

Finnish-Swedish botanist Peter Kalm (1716-79) forged important scientific links between his country and England and North America through his extensive travels in and notes about the latter, which were translated into English via German and published in three volumes in 1770-1.

Frederick Marryat (1792-1848) is remembered today as a novelist, but also wrote non-fiction. He spent 1837-8 travelling in North America, and published six volumes of observations in 1839. He was fascinated by the drive of Americans, but considered the country and people too heterogeneous to form a 'nation'.

The lawyer John Adams (1735-1826) became a central figure in the American Revolution and is regarded as a father of the United States Constitution. Published in 1850-6, this collection includes diaries, correspondence and essays. Volume 7 focuses on Adams' 1777-82 mission to negotiate a treaty with Britain.

George Washington (1732-1799) was the first president of the United States, having led the Continental army to victory against the British during the American War of Independence. This 1807 biography (here reissued in the 1858 Boston edition) documents his military career and campaigns, and his terms as president.